On Attaining Maximal Fitness or How to Evolve Virtual Redwoods

An understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms that lead to increased genome capabilities is essential for determining the potentials and limits of living systems. We evolve abstract aesthetic imagery on the basis of an image connectivity trait that has a theoretically determined maximum value. This trait can be influenced by “development” genes. We investigate simulated evolution when the development genes are not present, when they are fused with the existing genotype, and when they function semi-autonomously by residing in symbionts. Genome fusing initially impedes evolution while symbiosis initially accelerates evolution. Our findings suggest that symbiosis events play a more important role than genome fusion events for sustaining open-ended evolution.